Browsing by Subject "Adoption"
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Item A Study of Sustainable Compost Micro-Enterprise In Chimaltenango, Guatemala: Profitability and Employee Characteristics(2012-02-14) Silberg, TimothyOver 13 million people live in Guatemala, and among this population more than 50% live below the poverty line. One proposed solution to mitigate the large percentage of poverty in the country is micro-entrepreneurship. A compost micro-enterprise is a small business, which collects organic raw material and processes it into stable humus material for the purpose of applying to soils to increase crop yields. Developing such micro-enterprises could not only indirectly improve current soil nutrient deficiencies specific to the region, but also provide alternative incomes for the already agriculturally involved community. The success or failure of enterprises practicing composting may be measured by a plethora of figures or outcomes. Employee characteristics are one variable that should be taken into consideration when estimating the efficiency of an agricultural enterprise's operations and productivity. While a variable, such as an employee characteristic, may not be able to be quantified exactly it should be argued that this variable can have a structural impact on productivity. Another crucial variable considered when developing such a micro-enterprise is accounting for its input and output. It is explained the issue of costs within micro-enterprises is complex and should be considered not only in terms of fees but also in terms of payments in any kind, such as entry and exit presence, and the duration of the apprenticeship. When an enterprise has failed to account for its various inputs and consequent output, it has become unsustainable because it has not satisfied basic economic, social and security needs presently and for its future. This study identified and described employee characteristics and documented the inputs and outputs of compost micro-enterprises in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. The study found that employee characteristics, particularly gender, age, and occupation affected a micro-enterprise's access to markets as well as row materials, and how efficiently tasks were completed. Costs of labor, raw material, transport, packaging, energy and the location the micro-enterprise itself heavily influenced profitability. The production of any product on a large scale must anticipate how positive financial outcomes will occur because profitability may not arrive as planned. If the revenue cannot be determined and/or made, compost micro-enterprise may fail to be a sustainable, much less a viable option for alternative income streams.Item Addressing Water Quality Mitigation Challenges Through Evaluation(2014-05-27) Berthold, Troy AllenThe Arroyo Colorado River currently does not meet the State of Texas? criteria for water quality. As a result, the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan was developed, and implementation of the plan has been ongoing since 2007. Over the last few years, attendance at meetings and participation in education and incentive programs have decreased. Water quality can be restored only with individual participation; however, there has been a lack of information available to individuals to properly implement the Plan. This study sought to collect data that will ultimately prioritize implementation efforts of the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan. The research was conducted with agricultural producers in three counties of the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas: Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. Research questions for this study were 1) What are the primary educational needs for agricultural producers in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties related to water, 2) What are the primary barriers to management practice adoption through incentive programs, and 3) What areas of the agricultural component of the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan have been implemented effectively according to agricultural producer perception? Sixteen, eighteen, and twelve manifest variables (measurable variables), respectively, made up the primary constructs of this study. Of the 1,200 participants selected for this study, 63 questionnaires were undeliverable and 274 participants responded, resulting in a 24.1% response rate. Data were collected using mailed and internet surveys. Results indicated that water quantity related variables were the primary educational need, followed by water quality, financial incentives, and conservation practice manifest variables. Primary barriers were related to economic manifest variables, followed by information/awareness, programmatic, and producer/operation. Finally, results indicated that education was the most effective component of the program, followed by technical assistance, cost-share assistance, and monitoring and assessment. Further, significant differences between levels of various demographic variables could be identified in participants? response to manifest variables. A key finding was that those who have heard of the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan were more likely to have responded as having adopted sustainable agricultural practices than those who had not heard of the Plan. Recommendations were made for education programs to focus on water quantity while bringing in aspects of water quality, followed by technical aspects of financial incentives and conservation practices. Avoiding barriers should consist of revising cost-share levels for the initial cost of installation and ensuring that cost-share assistance is readily available when it is requested. Finally, to improve the program, monitoring and assessment projects should do a better job of relaying information about conservation practice effectiveness, which also ties back into some of the barriers and educational needs related to water.Item Assessing Perceptions, Knowledge Gain, Behavioral Change, and Economic Impact Related to the Adoption of Best Management Practices by Past Participants of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Multi County New Landowners Educational Series(2014-12-12) Shackelford, Philip WDuring the past decade, there has been a tremendous influx of new landowners into South Central Texas, particularly in the four counties of Austin, Colorado, Fayette, and Washington. This area of the state is fast becoming a destination for individuals wanting to exit the urban environments of Houston and San Antonio and live a rural lifestyle. From 2006 - 2010, over 1500 people took part in the Multi County New Landowners Educational Series, hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices of Austin, Colorado, Fayette and Washington Counties. Individuals who participated in the course were all considered to be new land owners or land owners that had no formal education in property management or agricultural production. The course exposed them to several best management practices and to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the series on the participants as it pertained to their level of adoption of best management practices for their property, estimate an economic impact and determine the participants attitudes and perceptions of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The study consisted of an online survey sent to past participants of the series and one-on-one interviews with select participants. Findings revealed significant adoption of several best management practices, which in turn improved the overall value per acre of the participants? property. Further, their perceptions about Extension were positively enhanced as a direct result of their participation in the series.Item Attributes and Barriers that Influence the Adoption and Diffusion of a Learning Management System(2014-04-03) Walker, Darrell ScottSeveral theories and technology acceptance models have been developed over the last several decades to predict user adoption. Most all of the models and theories have a foundation based from psychological and environmental factors that affect behavior intention, perception, and attitude towards accepting or rejecting a new innovation or technology. This study will examine such factors of influence towards adoption of a learning management system (LMS) at a large-scale university. The population for the study included participants from the three user groups: faculty (4,014), staff (5,997), and students (48,460). A stratified random sample from each group was determined using Cochran?s correction formula for categorical data. Sample size calculations assumed a confidence level a priori at .05 and an acceptable level of sampling error at 5% with a degree of variability of .5 and yielded sample sizes of faculty (350), staff (360), and students (381). A conceptual model was used for the study based from the Technology Acceptance and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology models which proved useful in determining the relationships of external factors on user perception and attitude towards adoption and diffusion. Strategies can therefore be formed and implemented to aid in the diffusion process for the LMS at the university. The study used a cross-sectional research design to observe how the different user groups were influenced by the external factors. Data collection was done over a four-week period with data analysis done afterwards using SPSS. Results revealed 92.1% of the respondents used the LMS with 91.6% agreeing that web based education (e-Learning) is an important delivery strategy used by faculty. Length of use ranged from less than one year to over six years with the level of experience ranging from a low level to a fully online level. The LMS showed widespread representation encompassing all colleges and departments of the university. Results also showed 61.6% of the respondents felt comfortable with using the LMS. Differences were identified between several of the attributes and barriers of adoption. However, one attribute and two barriers showed no statistical significant difference between the user groups. The study findings support the relationship between behavioral intention and actual behavior as presented by the Theory of Reasoned Action and Theory of Planned Behavior towards adoption of the LMS. As observed, the external factors played a role in user perception and attitude towards adopting and using the LMS, although the results showed no predictability of LMS preference based on university role or the combined factors of influence on user perception and attitude.Item Caucasian parents' experiences of adopting african-american/biracial children: a phenomenological exploration(Texas Tech University, 2008-05) Miller, Bobbi Jean; Wampler, Karen S.; Ivey, David C.; Kimball, Thomas G.; McGovern, Thomas F.The transracial adoption of African-American and biracial children has been the subject of much criticism and debate. Many of the criticisms levied against transracial adoption rest upon concerns about Caucasian parents’ motives in adopting these children and their ability to parent minority children effectively (Hollingsworth, 1999). Despite these concerns, little research has been conducted that explored the motives and experiences of parents who had chosen to adopt African-American or biracial children. The small body of literature that explored the experience from the parents’ perspective is largely outdated (e.g., Falk, 1970; Feigelman & Silverman, 1983), defined transracial more heterogeneously (e.g., Dore, 1995; Flores de Kistler, 1995), or did not focus on the experiences of couples (e.g., Moosnick, 2001). Given the many changes in adoption policy and overall societal views that have taken place since this past research was conducted, as well as the particular challenges these children face in the adoption system, more current exploration of the topic was warranted. This study used a phenomenological methodology in an attempt to gain a deeper understanding of a complex experience that has been the subject of much debate. The sample consisted of 6 heterosexual, Caucasian married couples (12 participants) who had adopted an African-American or biracial child. Participants had adopted a 2 year old or younger child within the past 5 years. A total of four interviews were conducted with each participant (2 couple interviews and 2 individual interviews). Participants were asked to describe the process of adopting their child and what it was like to become a father/mother through transracial adoption. Five categories emerged from their experiences, including: (1) making the decision to adopt transracially, (2) my child is African-American/biracial and a member of our family, (3) we are tuned into your perception of us, (4) the impact of transracial adoption on our lives, and (5) reflecting on our experience. In addition, themes that emerged as part of these categories are reported and discussed. Results were situated within the existing literature and the clinical, research, and policy implications, as well as limitations of the current study were discussed.Item Creation and evolution: the processes and strategies of institutional entrepreneurs in alternative medicine, 1896-2005(Texas Tech University, 2007-05) Patterson, Karen D.W.Though research has begun to emerge on the individual actors and organizations that drive institutional change, common strategies that they employ have still gone relatively unexamined. Specifically, the supporting mechanisms necessary for institutions to exist have not been explicated upon. Such research is especially important in contested fields where moves for change are met with significant opposition. This research examines three methods of institutional support constructed by institutional entrepreneurs. Theoretical propositions regarding the importance of institutional entrepreneurs and the types of institutional strategies they employ are established. Specifically, I examine the importance of addressing legislative, educational and normative considerations in order to achieve acceptance for an industry. Hypotheses are developed with regard to the growth and development of chiropractic from a highly contested practice, to a level of modern recognition and acceptance. The findings suggest that the construction of supporting mechanisms is an important factor in achieving acceptance within a contested field.Item DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE ADOPTION AND ITS EFFECTS IN TEXAS(2010-01-20) Ambs, Jonathan G.The purpose of my thesis is to study what factors affect the adoption of impact fees in Texas and what effects impact fees have on city budgets. This research was done using two models. The first model looked at the adoption of impact fees as the dependent variable and the second model looked at the total impact fee assed on new residential units as the dependent variable. Both models used the gross tax rate, debt per capita, change in city population as a percentage, city population, average price of a new home in 2007, number of building permits issued in 2007, and the average household income as independent variables. The most significant independent variable found for the assessment of impact fees is change in population as a percentage. The total impact fee charged per city was driven by several factors. These included change in population as a percentage, population, and gross tax rate.Item Drivers of environmentally-friendly technology adoption : electric vehicle and residential solar PV adoption in California(2016-05) Nath, Vivek; Rai, Varun; Zarnikau, JayThe use of electric vehicles (EVs) and residential solar photovoltaic (PV) panels is expected to play a role in stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere within an acceptable range, to mitigate detrimental climate change impacts. This thesis uses two uniquely rich datasets from the EV and residential solar PV market in California to study the demographic, motivational, social and informational influences on technology adoption decision-making. Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) are extensively used to contextualize the findings. Several findings aligned with Rogers’ generalizations regarding communication channels and characteristics of earlier adopters, and the increasing role of interpersonal communication channels signaled a shift to the early majority. Strong support was also found for the theory of planned behavior through the identification of the role of personal norms, subjective norms, attitude, and perceived behavioral control on intention and, ultimately, behavior. Information channels used by the EV cohort suggest a possible departure from TPB through the role of habitual behavior and attitudinal formation.Item Faculty perceptions about attributes and barriers impacting the adoption and diffusion of Web-Based Educational Technologies (WBETs) at the University of Cape Coast and the University of Ghana, Legon(Texas A&M University, 2006-10-30) Yakah, Jemima AbenaThe purpose of this study was to determine faculty perceptions about factors impacting the adoption and diffusion of Web-Based Educational Technologies (WBETs) at the University of Cape Coast and the University of Ghana, Legon. This study, based on Rogers?????? theory of adoption and diffusion, is a modified replication of a study by Li (2004), in the context of Ghana. Data were collected with a modified instrument created by Li (2004), from 61 teaching faculty out of a target accessible population of 200. The instrument comprised of four sections: The first, was used to collect data about faculty stage in the innovation development process. The second was used to collect data describing five attributes (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability) impacting the adoption and diffusion of WBETs. The third was used to collect data about ten barriers (concerns about time, concerns about incentives, program credibility, financial concerns, planning issues, conflict with traditional education, fear of technology, technical expertise, administrative support, and infrastructure) impacting the adoption and diffusion of WBETs. The fourth section was used to collect data on personal characteristics of the faculty. Descriptive, correlational and regression analyses were used to examine relationships between faculty personal characteristics, stage in the innovation-decision process, and perceptions of attributes and barriers impacting the adoption and diffusion of WBETs. From the descriptive results, respondents perceived ??????relative advantage?????? and ??????observability?????? as the two most important attributes that impact the adoption and diffusion of WBETs. Infrastructure, financial concerns, and technical expertise were perceived as posing moderate to strong barriers to the adoption and diffusion of WBETs. Only compatibility (attribute) and technical expertise (barrier) had statistically significant correlations with faculty stage in the innovation decision process. The attributes and barriers altogether explained only 10.6% and 17.3% respectively of faculty stage in the innovation-decision process. Of the eight personal characteristics examined, only ??????experience with WBETs?????? had a statistically significant correlation with faculty stage in the innovation-decision process. Recommendations to administrators and policy makers include allocating investments and resources that promote attributes and eliminate barriers, and conduct further research into factors that affect the adoption and diffusion of WBETs.Item Far from home(2012-05) Adkison, Abbey Elizabeth; Tu, Duy Linh; DeCesare, DonnaThis is a story of the failing Texas foster care system, told by the people who work in it and more importantly, the children affected by it. Foster parents Jim and Kay Mayo and their foster children Brian and Heaven shared their troubled pasts and hopes for the future so more people could understand the problems facing them. There is no easy answer but hopefully some planned changes in policy will shape a better system. To delve deeper into the Mayo’s family dynamic and hear Brian tell his story in person, I invite you to see my video about Brian, Misael and Heaven here: “Far From Home” http://vimeo.com/41420290. The password is: foster care.Item Investigating perceptions concerning the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) among college students(2011-05) Kim, Hyun-Pyo; Moh, Young-Kyu; Yuan, Jingxue; Silva, Dakshina G. d.As capital markets become increasingly global, many investors have a great interest in international investment opportunities. Also, many countries use dissimilar standards when they create financial statements for their stakeholders. In the United States, the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) has long expressed its support for a single set of high-quality global accounting standards as an important means of enhancing comparability and unification. IFRS as a single set of global accounting standards has the potential to best provide the common platform on which companies can report, and stakeholders can compare, corporate financial information. The goal with IFRS is to make international comparisons as easy as possible. Although the standards have a critical impact on capital markets, students and investors know very little about this standard. Therefore, by investigating the perception of the IFRS among college students, this study could determine the status of preparation for the standards and help colleges and universities with decisions regarding offering classes about these standards. The primary objective of this study is to investigate perceptions and knowledge concerning the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) among college students. The findings are as follows; first, I found there was a difference in knowledge about IFRS between male and female respondents. While it is difficult to generalize these results to all college or university student populations, universities or colleges should consider evaluating students to determine their level of knowledge about IFRS and then have provisions in place for extra classes or assignments in order to raise the extent of knowledge of IFRS for any group of students (male and female) who show deficiencies in basic knowledge of these standards. Second, there were no differences in knowledge about IFRS for each age group and each school year among respondents. Third, I found a difference in knowledge about IFRS between students majoring in business and students who were non-business majors. This implies that in this population of respondents business major students are taking more classes about financial events such as the adoption of IFRS in U.S. than are non-business major students. Therefore, business major students have more knowledge of IFRS than do non-business major students. Fourth, I found a correlation between the perception about evaluating the positive effect of IFRS on capital markets and the intention to take classes about IFRS. This means that students who believe there will be a positive effect on capital markets by the adoption of IFRS will take classes concerning IFRS. Also, these students will take more class in order to analyze their perceptions about the IFRS. Finally, the results predicted that students who showed a great interest in IFRS are more likely to take these courses if colleges or universities offer classes. These results mean that interest is a very critical determinant for taking classes concerning IFRS among college students. The more students have an interest about IFRS, the more they will take classes. There are also similar results shown in the additional analyses section pertaining to business major respondents.Item Rehoming of adopted children : current legislation and implications for practice(2016-05) Dudley, Rustin Tyler; Angel, Jacqueline Lowe; Fong, RowenaIn 2013, an investigative report by Reuters uncovered a startling practice now known as private adoption rehoming, also sometimes referred to as rehoming or unregulated custody transfer adopted of children. This practice involves adoptive parents seeking new families for their adopted children without the help or involvement of adoption professionals. Because these new families are not vetted (no background checks, home studies, etc.), the practice can result with children ending up in unsafe and potentially abusive homes. While some states have taken measures to address this problem, many have not. Even in those states who have passed rehoming legislation, the majority are punitive not preventative, meaning adopted children are still at risk of being rehomed. This paper provides an overview of the practice of rehoming and the status of legislation regarding the practice. Profiles of each state present information that is important to understand and consider when making decisions about rehoming legislation. Implications for practice and general policy recommendations are presented.